Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup

A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.

His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Return to Form

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.

But, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England recall.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.

Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Stiff Rivalry

But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."